For the approximately 500 people local people employed by Athabasca University, the next month or so involves a lot of anticipation. It is well known that the institution has faced troubles over the past few years, and that it was looking at financial insolvency by next year unless actions were taken to change the course.
As part of their efforts to create a more sustainable AU, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Athabasca University jointly decided to commission an independent third-party review in January.
Dr. Ken Coates has been interviewing faculty members, union reps and the board since March. Now the board has in hand a draft report with his recommended solutions.
At this point, no one outside of the government or AU board of governors has seen the report.
Dr. Ronnie Leah, co-chair of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3911 at AU, noted that a key concern in the Athabasca University community is transparency of the board with the rest of the university.
This translates to how long the board keeps the vital report behind closed doors.
While Minister of Advanced Education Marlin Schmidt has not publically noted mistrust with AU’s board, his appointing an independent reviewer indicates that such a mistrust exists even in the government.
While the board is reportedly making strides in transparency and accountability, it is critical at this stage for its members to change their stride.
As board member Michael Mauws noted in an interview, there comes a time where rehashing the past actually hinders AU’s improvement. That may be true to an extent, but the mistrust sown into the institution clearly remains, and this fresh board must prove themselves to be trustworthy before the past can be put to rest.
There is a lot of hope in this third-party review, and optimism surrounding the appointment of a new president, board chair and board members.
The institution’s member are now looking for the board to take strong action in leading them into a brighter future.
If there was a time for the board to prove themselves accountable and trustworthy – and welcome the public into discussions surrounding what happens to Athabasca University – it would be now.
